Arsenal Transfer Target Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting a Teenager

French news outlet L'Equipe is reporting that Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila was arrested on Monday for an alleged assault against a 17-year-old boy. The Sun is also backing up these claims.

The 21-year-old player is rumored to be at the top of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's transfer wish list this summer.

The France international spent the night in jail before being released, pending a decision on the case from the Rennes prosecutor.

According to the report, M'Vila appears to be admitting the assault against a young member of his entourage, but is hoping that an explanation will be enough for prosecutors.

His lawyer said, "Yann has acknowledged that it was an inappropriate response, but provoked by the betrayal of the trust he gave to this young man."

There have been no reports to this point indicating what the "trust" involved.

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the Rennes player. Last week, Metro reported the two clubs were in "advanced negotiations" over a deal that would send M'Vila to the Emirates for a price of around $35.5 million.

The defensive-minded center midfielder has made 36 appearances for Rennes this season.

The club currently sit fourth in Ligue 1 with just four games remaining.